By Shire Times Staff Writer | Lilongwe
In a rare and heartfelt moment at Kamuzu Palace last night, President Lazarus Chakwera turned the seat of power into a hall of gratitude — hosting teachers from across the nation to a lavish three-course dinner as a tribute to their enduring service to Malawi’s future.
Among the honoured guests was 93-year-old Mr. Chatsunda, President Chakwera’s own former primary school teacher, who shared laughter, memories, and dessert with the new generation of educators. Sitting among them, the elderly educator embodied the legacy Chakwera says the nation must never forget — one shaped in chalk dust and selfless service.
“We owe our doctors, engineers, civil servants, and even presidents to teachers,” Chakwera said. “That’s why we are here — to say thank you.”
The gala dinner, dubbed the Chakwera Teachers Appreciation Evening, wasn’t just ceremonial. It came with substance. The President reminded the nation that under his leadership, 49,000 teachers have been promoted since 2020 — a move he said reflects his government’s respect for the teaching profession.
And it’s not just promotions. President Chakwera revealed that the government is recruiting 26,000 new teachers, a major boost to the education sector which has long struggled with high pupil-to-teacher ratios.
The President also took a jab at previous administrations for neglecting teacher development, noting that his government has been investing in real infrastructure. He pointed to significant upgrades at Nalikule and Domasi teacher training colleges, alongside the construction of new colleges in Chikwawa and Rumphi.
Throughout his speech, Chakwera was clear: without education, there is no progress — not in agriculture, not in business, not in governance. “Every profession in this country traces its roots to a classroom,” he said. “And behind every classroom is a teacher.”
In a moment that blended emotion with inspiration, the President handed out awards to outstanding teachers for innovation, commitment, and efforts to promote equity and inclusivity in schools. He pledged that these recognitions would not be one-off tokens, but part of a broader culture shift in how Malawi values its educators.
“We’ll use every tool and every coin we have to support you,” Chakwera assured. “You are not just teaching — you are building Malawi.”
As the night ended under the soft lights of the palace lawns, one thing was clear: President Chakwera didn’t just serve a meal — he served a message. A message that teachers, long forgotten in the national applause, finally have a seat at the head table.
